Chapter 6 #3
The kettle moved from humming to bubbling and singing as his thoughts settled into something resembling calm.
Despite the upheaval he’d been through recently, he felt happier and more settled since starting at Glimmers than he could ever remember.
It just felt right. If magic was a part of that, then – however ridiculous it seemed – he’d welcome it.
Decision made, he loaded up a tray with the tea and yesterday’s bake, and carried it back into the shop. The shop where he worked. Where he used and sold magic.
Whatever was coming next, he was pretty sure it’d be fun.
Aiden looked up from the shop diary. He’d run out of ‘normal’ things – like bills and appointments – that he could distract himself with.
And he needed the distraction from the very weird things going on in the corner of the store where Ophelia and Rayenne were working – surrounded by a chaos of ribbons, crystals, fabric and plants that sparkled and glowed, each seemingly moving of its own accord.
He swallowed hard. Despite his earlier resolve, as the day had worn on, things had become stranger and more unsettling.
Mist nudged Aiden’s leg, then headbutted him.
If you are not helping them, make yourself useful and pet me. She jumped up on the counter and made herself comfortable. I am bored of chasing ribbons.
His hands obeyed automatically, smoothing over her soft fur while his mind reeled. It still threw him that Mist was talking to him, but stroking her was an easy thing to do, and her purrs were soothing. Maybe too soothing.
‘You’re not… spelling me, are you?’
No. Why do you ask?
‘No reason.’ He felt too silly to say it aloud.
Petting cats is good for you. It soothes your nervous system and makes your brain produce happy hormones. And it keeps us happy.
‘Are you reading my mind?’
Not something I can do. But I needn’t be psychic to guess your thoughts. You just found out magic is real, and are re-evaluating everything you thought you knew. You are having to change your thinking. It is not something that comes easily, but you are doing well.
‘Thank you.’
For a human.
Aiden hid a grin. As weird as the thought still was, he supposed if an animal was going to start talking to him, at least it was one with a good sense of humour.
A few minutes later, something – that tingling warmth that was, apparently, magic – flared within him, and the herbs near him started to vibrate with eagerness.
That tickles! Mist wriggled and leaped down, but Aiden’s attention was already on the door, knowing it would be her.
Seconds later the door opened, chimes tinkling in welcome.
‘Hi, Mia,’ Rayenne called out. ‘Are you ready for your first reiki session?’
‘Yeah, I think so. This looks fun.’
‘That’s one word for it.’ Ophelia giggled as Aiden tried to get himself, and his magic, under control.
He thought he’d just about managed it when she turned to him and smiled, and the bags of herbs started rustling again.
With slightly shaky hands he casually shoved the bowl under the counter before anyone noticed.
‘Hi, thanks for agreeing to help.’
‘It doesn’t seem much of a favour after your rescue mission.’ Mia shrugged. ‘I haven’t forgotten that I still owe you for that.’
‘It’s still appreciated,’ Rayenne added. ‘It’s important he gets to experience working with a range of people at this stage in his learning. And you have lovely energy, Mia.’
‘Do I?’
‘Yes. Very calming and soothing, but with an easy confidence. I’d imagine it’s helpful in your line of work.’
‘Thank you.’
Aiden saw the pink flush start in her cheeks, and felt his own warm slightly. That was… different. He took a couple of deep breaths – grounding himself the way Rayenne taught him for reiki – and the sensation vanished.
‘You’re looking very industrious here. What are you making?’
‘Just stocking up on our Litha spell bags,’ Ophelia replied.
‘Litha? I don’t remember that word.’
‘Summer solstice,’ Aiden answered as he walked over – half-surprised that he could still pretend at normality when everything had changed for him and the new knowledge was churning his mind.
‘It’s the longest day and shortest night. A perfect time of year to celebrate all things warm and beautiful in the world – and prepare for the changes and growth that summer brings,’ Rayenne explained as she tied everything into a neat pouch and shot him a secretive smile.
‘Careful she doesn’t spell you.’ Aiden chuckled and caught the bag Ophelia lobbed at him. ‘Rayenne I trust, but I’m less sure with Ophelia!’
‘I should spell you for better manners,’ she threatened.
‘Could you actually do that?’ Mia felt her eyes widen, and Aiden wondered if she might know more than the others thought.
‘Maybe.’ Ophelia eyed him.
‘Probably not.’ Rayenne laughed.
‘Are you sure I couldn’t?’
Rayenne stopped laughing and stared at her. ‘Actually, when it comes to you… and here… possibly you could. But remember, karma will return it to you. Are you sure you’re willing to risk spelling yourself not to swear?’
‘Spoilsport.’ Ophelia pouted for a few seconds, before grinning. ‘But I could definitely give him more cleaning duties.’
‘She says that like she doesn’t already give me them all,’ Aiden stage-whispered with a grin, glad that the revelations hadn’t changed the fun vibes.
‘Are you ready?’ Rayenne smiled at Mia, but shot him one of those looks that seemed to pierce right through him. He nodded, hoping he was being honest.
‘Yes, I’m ready.’ Mia nodded.
He followed them both to the treatment room at the back of the shop, his emotions and mind still racing. He could feel the magic beneath his skin, tingling and buzzing.
Mia hesitated at the door. ‘I’ve not been in here as a client.’
‘This will be a new experience for you then. If it’s all right with you, I’ll stay and observe while Aiden runs through the introductions, and for the first few minutes of the active session, then I’ll head back and make sure Ophelia isn’t tying any hyperactivity into the spell bags, but only if you’re comfortable with that? ’
‘Yeah, I’m good.’
‘Thought you would be.’ Rayenne flashed her a smile. ‘I’m just going to sit quietly in the corner of the treatment room and let Aiden take the lead.’
‘Right.’ Mia watched as Rayenne disappeared into the room. ‘So, we’re supposed to pretend she’s not there?’
‘Pretty much. And like she said, she won’t be there for all of it. So long as you really are OK with being alone with me in a candlelit room.’
‘Really? Candles?’
‘Less smoky than incense, but still nicely scented. There’s crystal lamps too. But if you’re the least bit uncomfortable we can leave the main light on.’
‘No. It’s OK. Are you OK with this?’
‘Yeah.’ He would be. Even if he had to force himself to be.
‘Even after last week?’
‘You mean the one-off favour between friends? The one we promised wouldn’t change anything?’
‘Right.’ She smiled and he forced himself to ignore the flutter of heat her gaze caused. It was just a flicker of memory. Very pleasant, but not worth focussing on. ‘Already told you, I’m good if you are.’
‘In that case, after you.’
Mia stepped into the room and shrugged off her coat.
He held out his hand to take it from her.
Her fingers brushed against his and everything in him just calmed.
He could absolutely do this. Feeling more confident and more at ease than he had done all day, he hung up her coat and gestured to the chairs in the corner of the room – the opposite one from where Rayenne was cross-legged on the floor, surrounded by crystals.
‘It’s OK to be a bit nervous,’ Aiden reassured her. ‘I know this is pretty new to you. And I really do appreciate your help.’
‘Just a favour for a friend.’ She obviously couldn’t resist teasing him, and he was glad that part of their friendship had remained untouched.
‘We need a quick chat and to run through some medical stuff. Don’t worry.’ Aiden forced himself back into professional mode. ‘It’ll be quicker than the forms you’re used to.’
Mia tried to focus on the patterns of light spinning across the ceiling but – much like being at the dentist’s – kept having those super awkward moments where her eyes wandered to Aiden’s face, and she didn’t quite know where to look.
When their gazes locked, the intensity in his hazel eyes sent shivers through her.
Originally, she’d agreed to this to help Aiden, but hadn’t really bought into it.
Herbal teas and baking were one thing – lots of medicines used in clinical settings came from plants, so that made sense.
The crystals she’d bought were pretty, but she didn’t really believe the hype around them, or energy healing.
She knew Katie bought into it, and obviously Rayenne and Ophelia were believers, but to her it was more superstition.
Like the people who believed the fog messing with phone signals was really a trick played by fairies, who could be appeased by leaving out honey.
But as she lay there, trying to focus on her breathing and the patterns playing across the insides of her eyelids, she started to think differently.
She felt Aiden rest his hands, very gently, on her shoulders.
She’d expected that, but not for them to feel so hot through her clothes.
And she definitely hadn’t expected the peculiar, hot goosepimples that raced over her skin.
It was strange, because part of her remembered – only too vividly – the last time he’d touched her and wanted to react again, but the other part was already drifting off to somewhere between sleep and consciousness.
Heat radiated through her in lazy, soothing waves, leaving her limbs deliciously languid and heavy, and she let her thoughts drift and wander aimlessly, losing all track of time and worries.
All too soon the warmth receded, and reality crept back in, heralded by Aiden’s voice gently calling her name, and fingers drumming against the back of her hand. She blinked and looked up at him.
‘Good so far?’